Holden's "teamwork, competitive drive, and inventiveness" led to her career accomplishments. Barboza noted that "Holden also had a knack for organization, even regimentation
Betsy Holden was born on October 19th, 1955.
Betsy Holden was born in Lubbock, Texas in the United States.
father was an obstetrician, and her mother a former accountant who stayed home to raise Holden and her two siblings. Holden attended public schools with the children of blue-collar workers
as "positive, upbeat, enthusiastic . very collaborative, team-oriented."
worked as a teacher while pursuing her master's degree in education at Northwestern University. She then taught fourth grade for two years. While teaching, Holden created toys for children
While president of the pizza division, Holden made Tombstone a national brand and turned the DiGiorno pasta brand into a pizza franchise that brought in $400 million in annual sales by 2002
Among her many civic and charitable activities, Holden served for years as president of the Off the Street Club, Chicago's oldest boys' and girls' club, leading the organization through a period of growth
In 1995 she was named executive vice president and in 1997 president of the Kraft Cheese division.
Betsy Holden assisted women executives by advocating for gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She mentored and provided support for other women in leadership positions, paving the way for future female executives to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Holden also actively promoted women's advancement in her own career, serving as a role model for others to follow.
Holden and Jane were childhood friends who shared a platonic relationship. Holden deeply cared for Jane and considered her a source of innocence and authenticity in a world he viewed as superficial and phony. Their relationship was marked by a mutual understanding and respect for each other's individuality.
as an assistant product manager in the desserts division of General Foods Corporation, which later became a part of Kraft Foods. Holden moved to Kraft Foods as a brand manager, first in new products and then for the sandwich spread Miracle Whip
Laureate Award, National Cheese Institute, 2002; Alumni Association Award, Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, 2002